F. Dick ProDynamic 4.5-inch Paring Knife

A little longer than a standard parer, this 4.5-inch ProDynamic paring knife peels fruit, trims vegetables, deveins shrimp and cuts garnishes. Its narrow blade and fine tip work close to the surface for delicate cuts.

The extra length helps with a lemon or a small onion, which a 3-inch blade cannot cross in one stroke. The knife is light and the handle soft, so it stays comfortable through long prep. The fine tip slips under the shell of a shrimp and along the vein without tearing the flesh.

The 4.5-inch length also trims chicken thighs and cleans small cuts of meat. In a restaurant, it is a useful knife for garnish and prep stations alike. It is light enough to keep on hand through a full service.

A yellow-handled version fits color-coded kitchens. For close work in the hand, the ProDynamic 3-inch paring knife is quicker, and the ProDynamic tomato knife has a serrated edge for soft fruit.